A failing lithium-ion battery caused a truck fire and explosion near the Blaine House on May 22, according to a statement from Maine State Police. 

The battery, police said, was attached to a cordless drill in the back of the truck. 

“The Fire Marshal’s Office says while instances of these fires or explosions are infrequent, spontaneous combustion of lithium-ion batteries does occur,” police said. “Reasons could be mechanical defects, poor design, or external factors such as leaving batteries in hot areas or direct sunlight.” 

Police said investigators were unable to determine exactly what caused the battery failure but noted that the truck had been parked on the street for much of the day. 

Augusta firefighters responded to the fire on May 11 at 2:30 p.m. The truck, a black 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, was parked on Chamberlain Street, near the Blaine House. Witnesses reported smoke coming from the truck before hearing an explosion, police said. 

Initial investigations determined there was no evidence of foul play. In yesterday’s announcement, the fire marshal’s office issued warned owners of such equipment to follow manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage, not to charge batteries near flammable materials, to keep batteries at room temperature, and not to place them in direct sunlight.